Fort Plain Police net nearly a dozen drug arrests

By LINDA KELLETT

FORT PLAIN — Wrapping up a six-month-long investigation, Fort Plain Police, assisted by area law enforcement agencies, rounded up nearly a dozen suspected drug dealers and effected a number of other arrests on bench warrants out of Minden Town Court on Monday. The alleged drug sales involved heroin, suboxene, hydrocodone, hydromorphone and marijuana.

Among those arrested on drug charges throughout the day included Ronald W. Hogan Jr., formerly of 70 Main St., Fort Plain, who was already being held in the Montgomery County Jail on prior charges. Felony charges of third-degree criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance (narcotics), both Class B felonies, were added to the already lengthy list of charges against him. Prior charges included grand larceny and burglary.

Also arrested in the sweep were Kelly M. Kennedy (formerly Kelly Stevens), 42, of 9 York St., Fultonville, who was arrested on a warrant from a previous investigation charging her with second-degree criminal sale of marijuana, a Class E felony; Nicholas Yager, 25, of 6 Willett St., Fort Plain, who was charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony, and violation of probation, a Class A misdemeanor; and Raymond Mojica, 30, of 158 Mill St., Canajoharie, who was charged with the criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance, felonies.

In addition Beth Warner, 35, Elizabeth F. Fowler, and Douglas Ostrander, 28, all of 88 Main St., Fort Plain, were charged with third-degree criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance and first-degree criminal nuisance, all felonies. During a briefing at the Fort Plain Firemen’s Home prior to the round-up Monday morning, Fort Plain Police Chief Robert Thomas III told arresting officers that it was believed there were “tons of pills” at that Main Street residence.

With the exception of Kennedy, whose bail was set at $500 cash or $1,000 bond, all of the other suspects’ bail was set at $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond.

Minden Town Justice Susan Buddles entered pleas of not guilty on behalf of all those facing drug charges. Additionally, she reserved their right to a felony hearing once counsel has been obtained. All completed applications for representation by the Public Defender’s office. They are due to return to town court on Jan. 28, 2013, at 5 p.m.

Thomas during the briefing noted 11 suspects, at least one of whom was believed to have a weapon, were being sought in connection with the drug charges; and officials seized one vehicle.

Thirteen individuals were being sought on bench warrants alleging they neglected to pay fines or to appear in court.

Among those picked up on warrants were Tyler Kuntzsch, 23, of 355 Airport Road, Fort Plain, who was arrested for his alleged failure to appear in court on Vehicle and Traffic charges and a felony charge of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. He was remanded to the Montgomery County Jail and held in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond.

Others picked up included Sarah L. MacDonald, 20, of 3230 State Highway 80, Fort Plain, and Rapheal E. Medina, 30, of 25 River St., Fort Plain, who were arrested for their alleged failure to pay fines.

Individuals who paid their fines had the warrants vacated and their cases closed.

Thomas noted that word got out about the warrant arrests during the sweep, and other people responded to the court and paid their fines before police could arrest them.

Not all of the suspects were located immediately, however, and warrants have been signed for their arrest by Minden Justice Susan Buddles. More arrests are pending; and once located, the suspects will be processed and arraigned.

Among agencies assisting with the arrests were the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Probation and the state Division of Parole.

Others assisting included the Gloversville Police Department and New York State Police.

According to Thomas, this is the sixth joint operation of this nature since 2006, with the village conducting its own investigations in connection with the two most recent. Prior investigations have involved the state Department of Taxation and Finance, the Sheriff’s Office, the State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.